Denver, Colo.- Central City Opera (CCO) will hold auditions in Denver on March 21 and 22 for the two principal roles of Parthy Ann Hawkes and Ellie Mae Shipley for Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s glorious American musical Show Boat. CCO’s 2013 Summer Festival production of Show Boat will be directed by Ray Roderick, who will be making his debut with the company, while Hal France returns as conductor. Auditions are March 21 and 22 in Denver, and will be held at 1245 Champa Street on the 3rd floor. For the role of Parthy Ann, auditions will be held from 10:00 a.m. – Noon, and auditions for Ellie Mae are from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Wanda Larson at 303-292-6500 to schedule an audition time. The deadline to schedule an audition is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Character Breakdown Parthy Anne Hawks – female 40 – 60 mezzo – a strong comedic character actor who sings a bit. The overprotective and disapproving Parthy Ann is the wife of Cap’n Andy and Magnolia’s mother. Ellie Mae Shipley – female 25 – 35 alto – a strong comedic actor/singer/dancer. Ellie Mae’s partner is Frank, and together they are two actors on the boat in search for a place to live. Performers should be prepared to sing an up-tempo song, a ballad in the style of the show, and a song from the show as well Performers may be asked to read sides. Those auditioning for the role of Ellie should also be prepared to dance and bring character heels. A current headshot and resume are required. Those auditioning should bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Those hired must be current members of AGMA or be willing to join AGMA for this union contract. More information about AGMA membership can be found at musicalartists.org Rehearsals for Show Boat begin on July 9, 2013 at CCO’s rehearsal facility in Central City, Colorado. The show opens on August 6 and runs through August 11. As its final production for the 2013 Festival, Show Boat will be running in Denver only for seven performances at the Denver Performing Arts Complex’s Buell Theatre. Central City Opera 2013 Festival Central City Opera House – June 29 to July 28 The Barber of Seville opens the Festival in Central City on June 29 and runs through July 27. Ned Rorem’s operatic adaptation of Our Townis the second offering opening July 6 and running at the Opera House through July 28. Denver Performing Arts Complex’s Buell Theatre – August 6 to 11 Central City Opera comes to Denver for seven consecutive performances of Kern and Hammerstein II’s Broadway classic musical,Show Boat at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex from Tuesday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 11. Two and three pack subscriptions for the 2013 Festival are available now and offer the best discounts and seat selections with a savings of up to 30% off single ticket prices before May 1st. Subscriptions start at $30. Single tickets, starting at $20, are on sale now. In addition to its slate of operas for 2013, CCO will continue to present innovative initiatives that will engage a broader audience with exciting enhancements to the Festival experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700.
Celebrating its 81st year, Central City Opera is the nation’s fifth-oldest opera company, located just 35 miles west of Denver in one of Colorado’s official National Landmark Historic Districts. The company continues to present artistically excellent professional opera in its annual summer festival; to offer career-entry training to young singers; to produce education and community service programs; and to preserve and maintain the Opera House and 30 other Victorian-era properties. ###

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